Information about living aboard
Entry posted by Benny the Ball
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Hi to all out there.
I am looking at buying a narrowboat in the future and before I go down the route of viewing vessels and being told by sellers whilst viewing, what they think I want to hear, I would like some neutral, non biased opinions and information about living aboard.
I have a budget and it isn't a kings ransom and I am happy to live on something that I can improve as I live on it.
My main worry is making sure I buy something with a good engine (supplied by a reputable manufacturer) as I have done some reading and see that there are ones that some recommend and some advise to avoid.
Also i see that there are different thicknesses to the hull and sides of the boat - could anybody advise on what to avoid if some are 'too thin'
I have no idea on how often a vessel needs 'blacking' or the costs of this. I suppose the price would be around the same region from one company to the next but I am guessing that depending on where the boat is moored, the costs of lifting out of the water could vary greatly?
As you have probably guessed, I am quite naive but I understand living aboard is not just a case of buying a boat and thats it. My knowledge of engines is somewhere between zero and 5 on a scale of 1 - 100 and if the engine was to fail in the middle of winter I would be in trouble!!
I guess I am trying to say that I think I would be OK with the cosmetic side of living aboard, but the mechanical side would give me trouble and this is my worry about taking the step to living aboard.
So, for the time being, if there is anyone that could advise me on . . .
1) Reputable makes of engines?
2) How often a boat needs blacking?
3) An acceptable steel thickness?
4) Costs of lifting out of water?
5) Moorings costs and locations between Leeds and Rodley (west Leeds)
I have tried to find the info on number 5) via google and cannot even find mooring locations in this area never mind costs, and I appreciate there will be a limited few that could provide this info
6) Any fees that I have missed such as License, waterway fees or anything else that is standard
7) Lastly, I was under the impression that gas oil (red diesel) was OK to be used as fuel to power the boat? Is this still the case?
I realise I have asked a lot, but any help would be greatly appreciated
Much love
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